Suddenly Everybody Is Obsessed with A.I.--Even If Nobody Gets It

As Silicon Valley investors and tech giants continue to pour cash into burgeoning artificial intelligence technologies such as machine learning and chatbots, the relatively nascent A.I. industry is emerging as the latest mega-hot new ticket in town--the heir to online delivery apps, anything-hailing services, and virtual reality start-ups. But much like another buzz-worthy predecessor, Big Data, many A.I. cheerleaders and investment check signatories probably don't quite understand it. But in Silicon Valley, when has that ever stopped anyone? The obsession in the Valley with artificial intelligence is almost palpable. Just last week, Twitter announced its acquisition of London-based machine learning start-up Magic Pony Technology.